Will DCL Raise drink prices and what is next perk to go?

[cgolf]

I can see gratuities going up along with the cost of liquor based drinks (not so much beer and wine because you can still bring some on), but anything that you're a captive audience for, I can see the cost rising.

I can also see more add ons - they already have for-fee popcorn, I can see them adding a full concession area with a variety of candy and treats and of course, canned soda (because hey, if you're already whipping out the card, why run up to the pool deck to save a couple of bucks).

I also think the Dream won't end up being the only ship with the extra cost candy shop and the for-fee ice cream. And I can see the hours of the ice cream and flavour varieties of "free" soft serve being limited (maybe only vanilla, chocolate and twist and hours being shortened to noon - 6pm).

They've already started with the extra fee, upgraded food on the Palo and Remy menus, I can see they'll add it to the regular MDR menus - an upcharge for the Palo Chocolate Soufflé or the filet that's so popular. They'll market it as being for those who don't want to dine without their kids but still be able to enjoy a "taste of Palo".

If Disney decided to upgrade their soda machines to the Coke Freestyle, I can also see that there will be an upcharge. As long as they have the so-so soda fountains, I don't see Disney going back to charging for it. They would need to ensure that the soda mix was always perfect.

If DCL starts to be a pay to play cruise and also still tries to charge more we are for sure done. Last year we were able to almost make it on our obc, because we don't do a lot of excursions because we hav been to most of the ports already. This year we got a great deal, so we will see what happens this year.

The danger DCL has trying to match the industry standard is that they are overpriced, and they don't care about repeat cruisers! Anyone that wants to disagree on the second point is drinking the DCL kool-aid, other lines do a lot more for repeat cruisers.

 

[Dave2425]

They've already started with the extra fee, upgraded food on the Palo and Remy menus, I can see they'll add it to the regular MDR menus - an upcharge for the Palo Chocolate Soufflé or the filet that's so popular. They'll market it as being for those who don't want to dine without their kids but still be able to enjoy a "taste of Palo".

I like that idea. I'd gladly pay an up charge.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

How does the policy o2 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers work for 'sensible drinkers' on a PC or TA cruise?

Yes the longer cruises are rare like PC say two a year and yes its more of a task there.

 

[perditax]

I can see gratuities going up along with the cost of liquor based drinks (not so much beer and wine because you can still bring some on), but anything that you're a captive audience for, I can see the cost rising.

I can also see more add ons - they already have for-fee popcorn, I can see them adding a full concession area with a variety of candy and treats and of course, canned soda (because hey, if you're already whipping out the card, why run up to the pool deck to save a couple of bucks).

I also think the Dream won't end up being the only ship with the extra cost candy shop and the for-fee ice cream. And I can see the hours of the ice cream and flavour varieties of "free" soft serve being limited (maybe only vanilla, chocolate and twist and hours being shortened to noon - 6pm).

They've already started with the extra fee, upgraded food on the Palo and Remy menus, I can see they'll add it to the regular MDR menus - an upcharge for the Palo Chocolate Soufflé or the filet that's so popular. They'll market it as being for those who don't want to dine without their kids but still be able to enjoy a "taste of Palo".

If Disney decided to upgrade their soda machines to the Coke Freestyle, I can also see that there will be an upcharge. As long as they have the so-so soda fountains, I don't see Disney going back to charging for it. They would need to ensure that the soda mix was always perfect.

The a la carte candy and ice cream is being added to the Dream during dry dock.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

The a la carte candy and ice cream is being added to the Dream during dry dock.

Yes, I was thinking though that they may also add a Mini version near the movie theatre and the main theatre so they are not just tempting with popcorn but an array of extra charge treats. Maybe even specialty cups that are only available at those locations (they already have specialty cups for pirate night and the ones with the clip on characters - why not add in some more exclusive merchandise).

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Yes the longer cruises are rare like PC say two a year and yes its more of a task there.

Not just on those cruises. I have a 5 night with 2 stops, one of which is Castaway Cay (the other Cozumel). So for 5 days, 12 beers should be enough? Not for any beer drink I know.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Not just on those cruises. I have a 5 night with 2 stops, one of which is Castaway Cay (the other Cozumel). So for 5 days, 12 beers should be enough? Not for any beer drink I know.

Two beers a night??? pp.

 

[TestingH2O]

The danger DCL has trying to match the industry standard is that they are overpriced, and they don't care about repeat cruisers!

I think this is becoming increasingly clear. Frequent cruiser rewards are slim, booking discounts are small, and "perks" that experienced cruisers have learned to master are dwindling. I suspect they have done some research that suggests they have a significant number of one off cruisers or very infrequent cruisers who are really signing up for characters/Disney rather than traditional cruise experience.

 

[bakerworld]

Do you have to pack the beverages in your carry-on or can you walk onto the ship with a bag of beverages?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Do you have to pack the beverages in your carry-on or can you walk onto the ship with a bag of beverages?

Either just not in your checked in suitcaes.

 

[bakerworld]

Either just not in your checked in suitcaes.

Great - thanks

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Great - thanks

However, be aware that any fragile items (including bottled alcohol) must be hand-carried on board in a day bag and/or carry-on bag, the dimensions of which cannot exceed 22" wide, 14" high and 9" deep.

Also note the following that is noted on the same page.
Please be advised: Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to remove fragile items (including beverages) from luggage. In such cases, items will be stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Beverage containers are considered fragile and have previously caused damage in checked luggage. All fragile items must be transported inside carry-on luggage.

 

[kaseyC]

My opinion, I think the next increase will be the cruise gratuities.

I think/hope all-inclusive adult beverage packages come out. Prices of drinks might adjust to set the parameters, what is/is not included in packages.

I think soda is safe for now. If they get around to Freestyle machines that could change.

Look at what's standard in the industry. Apparently that's where Disney wants to navigate.

I agree. Increased gratuities and addition of beverage packages. The beverage packages are becoming very popular and an industry standard. I've been on 3 cruises recently with beverage packages, one a spring break cruise out of NYC and I didn't notice any abuse or anyone crazy drunk.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I agree. Increased gratuities and addition of beverage packages. The beverage packages are becoming very popular and an industry standard. I've been on 3 cruises recently with beverage packages, one a spring break cruise out of NYC and I didn't notice any abuse or anyone crazy drunk.

The convenience of the inclusive packages is worth the cost to us. Thankfully. NCL gives it to us, tho.

 

[kaseyC]

The convenience of the inclusive packages is worth the cost to us. Thankfully. NCL gives it to us, tho.

Yes, I've haven't had to pay for a beverage package yet with NCL. As a matter of fact I haven't had to pay for a dining package either. So of course, I'm not complaining!

 

[pag23]

Its simple, when you pay more you should get more. With DISNEY its pay more and get less each month something else goes away.

 

[cgolf]

The convenience of the inclusive packages is worth the cost to us. Thankfully. NCL gives it to us, tho.

We will have to see what happens and the pricing for us. I just wish they had waited 4 years, with the kiddo headed to college this year it is cruising on a budget for us. So the timing of the policy is a bit rough for us, we may just do some of the 2 for 1 drinks of the day if they still offer them.

 

[cgolf]

Yes, I was thinking though that they may also add a Mini version near the movie theatre and the main theatre so they are not just tempting with popcorn but an array of extra charge treats. Maybe even specialty cups that are only available at those locations (they already have specialty cups for pirate night and the ones with the clip on characters - why not add in some more exclusive merchandise).

There is one near the Walt Disney theatre, the gift shop, which has lots of options and some aren't that bad of a deal. The movie theatre is kind of out of the way especially on the classics, not sure what they could do there.

 

[The Sasquatch]

They better not take away betting on the baby races in the atrium! Who needs a casino, I took a boatload from one of the officers and the guy who dresses up like goofy. Almost paid for my trip!

 

[littleblackegg]

I definitely see beverage packages on the horizon. Large, multinational corporations do not address their policies from a customer compliance/noncompliance perspective. In fact, if a policy is broken daily by large numbers of customers, the corporation will likely just remove it as long as it does not affect their bottom line. Disney got far with the prior alcohol policy, and I suspect they were no longer able to maintain the expected profit loss. It's all about maintaining profits.